Time to Get Shopping: Winter Sports Apparel Keeps You Warm and Dry

If you dress properly for the slopes, you don’t have to ever get cold. Winter sports apparel is better than ever and when paired with the right accessories, it can be downright cozy no matter what the temperature.

And, shopping for winter clothing is fun. New fabrics and insulations have resulted in warmer, more breathable and, of course, waterproof apparel to help you battle the elements. Fashions are even more fun than they were in the sixties and seventies with retro styles in a modern twist as well as classic looks that are timeless.
No matter what you’re looking for, your local ski or snowboard shop has a great selection to help you get going for winter 2006-07. Here are some tips about dressing for winter to make your next shopping trip a lot easier

Layering is an effective and versatile way to dress for winter. The three layers are: wicking, insulating and weather protection.

1. Inside layer (or long underwear): This is the layer worn next to your skin. The inside layer, worn next to your skin, is usually long underwear. But, long underwear is no longer boring -–you'll see fun, slick and sexy styles for both men and women. There are definitely stand-alone pieces that can be worn as tops to show off. Choose a synthetic fiber that has "wicking" power so the material can wick (or move) moisture away from your skin and pass it through the fabric to evaporate. That way you stay warm, dry and comfortable. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking abilities.Even when it's cold, it’s possible to sweat — especially if you’re hiking uphill, snowshoeing or Nordic skiing.
2. Middle or insulating layer: Look for sweaters, pullovers, hoodies and vests designed to keep you heated by trapping air between the fibers. Popular insulation materials include fleece (and numerous variations), which dries quickly and keeps you warm even when wet and good old-fashioned wool which naturally wicks away moisture.
3. Outer/protection layer: Shells and pants serve as your guard against the elements of winter. They should keep out snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspiration evaporate.

Modern shells and pants are made waterproof and breathable by using tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape — to keep you dry and comfortable. Look for jackets and pants using Gore-Tex, which is best for keeping out rain and wet snow.

Snowboard apparel is designed looser to give riders freedom of movement. Pants are reinforced in the seat and knees for extra protection when kneeling or sitting on the snow.

Don’t forget the details.Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers — details that work well in a snowstorm.

Must-Have Accessories for the Slopes

Accessories are a great way to liven up an older outfit and they go a long way in helping you enjoy your day on the slopes. For instance, fingers and toes are usually the first area of your body to get cold, so keeping your extremities warm and cozy is crucial. From eyewear to headwear to handwear, there are lots of great looks for winter 06/07.

Hats, helmets and headbands: First, you should always wear something on your head unless it is super-warm. Since more than 60 percent of your body's heat can escape from an uncovered head, it’s real important to wear a hat, headband or helmet when it's cold.

And, the latest headwear styles are so cool, you can wear them when you’re inside as well as out on the slopes. 
Look for non-itch liners. Helmets are even warmer and protect your head. On super-cold days, facemasks can guard against frostbite and neck gaiters keep wind from sneaking down your neck.

Sunglasses and goggles: Sunglasses and goggles protect eyes from damaging solar radiation. Snow, or any other reflective surface, makes UV rays stronger, while increased altitude also magnifies the danger.

Panoptx glasses feature technology that lets you adapt eyewear to suit the occasion. For instance, there is a removable eyecup in one model which provides a seal to completely block wind. On warmer days, it can be taken out.
Goggles do double-duty and keep out wind and on flat- or low-light days—especially when it's snowing. Goggles protect your eyes and special lens colors increase the contrast so you can properly discern terrain features—especially on low-light days when it’s snowing.

Gloves and mittens: Most gloves and mittens use waterproof, breathable fabrics, but shop around because some are better than others. Leather options are great for comfort, but they will get wet on rainy or wet-snow days. Mittens, in general, are warmer than gloves, especially if they are filled with down or Primaloft.

Consider the type of activity you'll be doing. Snowboarding gloves and mittens often have a reinforced palm because of extra wear from adjusting bindings and balancing on the snow. Some snowboarding gloves and mittens also have built-in wrist guards, which are excellent for novice snowboarders. Cross-country skiing gloves tend to be lighter-weight for extra movement and because you perspire more.

Socks: One pair of lightweight or medium-weight socks works best for skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. Socks are made from a variety of materials, including polyester, silk, wool and nylon. Some socks have wicking properties similar to long underwear, meaning your feet will stay dry and comfortable. Resist the temptation of putting on too many pairs of socks. You'll restrict circulation and actually cause your feet to get colder.